TOMS RIVER – With summer just a few short months away, Ocean County tourism officials want to make sure plenty of people know about the events taking place this year and visit the County.

"This has been a very long and cold winter," said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Tourism Advisory Council. "Everyone is ready to get out in the sunshine and fresh air and we want to make sure visitors and residents alike know about the great activities available to them here in Ocean County."

Under the 2014 Ocean County Tourism Promotional Matching Grant program, 57 grants totaling $62,866 were awarded to municipalities and non-profits to help them promote events. The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the grants at its March 19 meeting.

"Investing in the tourism industry is a sound investment in Ocean County's economy," Vicari said. "Every tourism dollar spent in Ocean County circulates seven times. Tourism is a $4.3 billion industry in Ocean County and annually results in more than 70,000 jobs.

"This board's continued support of the tourism industry shows our commitment to stimulating the local economy in order to help businesses and also those residents seeking jobs," Vicari said. "Once they are here, tourists and our residents patronize local restaurants and businesses, helping our economy while enjoying the programs and events that are offered.

"This is a key industry in Ocean County and it plays an important role in all of our communities," Vicari said. "We have gone through some difficult times following Superstorm Sandy and we need visitors to help the recovery along and to allow businesses to prosper again."

Organizations can only apply for one grant and awards are competitive based on a point system, which is included in the grant application.

Determination is made by a committee of volunteers from the Ocean County Tourism Advisory Council which looks at a number of areas in the grant application including whether the event would attract visitors to the area and create a positive ambiance, the past performances of an organization, if the event will attract visitors off-season, midweek and encourage overnight stays, the quality of the event, and additional points for new or expanded aspects that could result in growing an event.

"The grant program is now in its 26th year," Vicari said. "I want to commend our Tourism Advisory Council for its dedication and diligence in making this so successful."

The following is the list of grant recipients, the event and the amount received: